The headlines are everywhere:

Newport News Shipbuilding Lays off 480, More to Come in 2016

BAE's Norfolk shipyard Laying off 650 employees in November

But here’s the good news: this mass shipyard layoff is not so much a symptom of the economy as it is a decrease in defense spending. In other words, as work slows, employment must follow. But many of these workers displaced by the shipyard layoffs are essentially in the manufacturing sector already—they build and/or repair ships and submarines—which just might make them perfect candidates for a career in the manufacturing field.

While these jobs may or may not return, the people who work in this profession possess a specific set of skills and aptitudes that align well with the manufacturing industry. This means that with a little education, they could very well transfer their expertise into another part of the manufacturing industry where the jobs are quite plentiful. What? You didn’t know that? You’re not alone.

Working in Manufacturing Could Mean Job Stability!

For some reason, people have not gotten the message that American manufacturing is roaring back, fueled by robotics and advanced automation.  New plants look more like laboratories filled with modern equipment and while plants that once hired thousands now employ hundreds, many of the jobs that do exist are highly-skilled and come with very attractive compensation packages.

As for demand, the Manufacturing Institute reports that there are currently more than 600,000 unfilled manufacturing jobs across the United States. A recent study by Deloitte projects that number to grow to 2 million over the next 10 years. The reason is simple: there are not enough people available who possess the specific set of skills required to work in modern manufacturing.

By now, it should be quite apparent that there’s a real opportunity here. It’s no secret that education translates into higher earnings. Just look at the most recent study by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics, where the level of education results in greater pay and lower unemployment rates. It’s really a no-brainer.

How to Enter the Field of Advanced Manufacturing Quickly

So, exactly what are these skills and how can you get them? Advanced manufacturing requires people who are knowledgeable in electronic engineering technology, mechanical engineering, and computer and information science. However, those with expertise in all three have a real leg up on the competition. A degree in mechatronics blends those three academic disciplines.

People with a background in mechatronics are typically highly-valued by manufacturers and are essential to keeping a facility performing at peak efficiency. Mechatronics graduates often go on to work as project managers, industrial engineers, product engineers, and in a variety of other key roles.

Supporting STEM initiatives at the FIRST Robotics Tournament. #futureisbright #ECPI pic.twitter.com/MeiZBB37

— Nina (@ninadane) March 16, 2012

Are you looking for a way to translate your shipyard skillset into a new career field? Mechatronics could be a great move. To learn more, contact ECPI University for more information about our Bachelor of Science in Electronics Engineering Technology with a concentration in Mechatronics. Through our year-round, accelerated degree program, you could complete your degree in as little as 2.5 years! Get in touch today—it could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!

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For more information about ECPI University or any of our programs click here: http://www.ecpi.edu/ or http://ow.ly/Ca1ya.